Extra! Extra! Disney’s Newsies is coming to town!

The winner of two Tony awards including Best Score, Disney’s Newsies will make its Philippine debut courtesy of Globe Live and 9 Works Theatrical, featuring a creative team and cast of the best talent across the Philippines

Disney’s 2012 runaway hit musical, Newsies, ran on Broadway for two years. It ran for 1,005 performances and in that time garnered over 24 theatrical nominations including the Drama Desk, Outer Circle Critics Awards, and a total of eight Tony awards. It won Best Score for Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, and Best Choreography for Christopher Gattelli. This high-energy musical inspired by the true-to-life events of the “Newsboy Strike of 1899” is a show about social injustice, exploitative labor conditions, and the power of protesting against large-scale corrupt establishments.

Newsies was first produced as a motion picture musical in 1992, starring Christian Bale. The movie found a dedicated audience called “Fansies,” who pushed for a live stage adaptation. The clamor was so strong that Disney Theatrical Productions brought the stage musical to life, with Harvey Fierstein (La Cage aux Folles, Torch Song Trilogy) writing the book, and original composers Alan Menken and Jack Feldman adding new songs. Newsies premiered in Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011 before Disney Theatrical brought it to Broadway the following year.

The show follows the charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly, a leader of a gang of “Newsies,” who “dreams of a better life far from the hardships of the streets.” From his humble beginnings, Jack Kelly becomes an activist who rallies the newsboys to protest against the rising distribution rates put forward by publishing giants Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. From newsboys to activists, the musical dramatizes the David-versus-Goliath fight for social justice and better working conditions.

Playing the lead role of Jack Kelly is recording artist, singer, actor and 9 Works Theatrical mainstay Gian Magdangal, who has just come back from a stint at Hong Kong Disneyland’s The Golden Mickeys and Universal Studios Japan. Joining him as part of the newsboys are Jef Flores (recent Gawad Buhay awardee for Outstanding Lead Actor for Tick, Tick…BOOM! ), Daniel Drilon (Secret Garden, Fun Home), Tory Cortez (Hansel and Gretel, A Christmas Carol), Luis Marcelo (Little Shop of Horrors), and Alex Diaz (Host & TV Personality, MYX VJ). Also in the cast are Danielle Chopin (Into the Woods, My Fair Lady), Greg Dulcie (The Wizard of Oz, Sweeney Todd), Pinky Marquez (The Wedding Singer, Beauty and the Beast), and Raymund Concepcion (Annie, The Little Mermaid).

Rounding up the cast are Franz Imperial, Ariel Reonal, Joni Galeste, Melissa Bell, Ian Ocampo, Ronelson Yadao, Erick Arenas, Jourdan Bartolome, Mark Anthony Grantos, Jim Ferrer, Chesko Rodriguez, Kendrick Ibasco, Anton Posadas, Stephen Viñas, Clark dela Riva, Jon Abella, MC dela Cruz, Vyen Villanueva and Jan Mayo.

Globe Live and 9 Works Theatrical’s production of Disney’s Newsies is directed by Robbie Guevara, together with PJ Rebullida as choreographer, Franz Imperial as assistant director, Daniel Bartolome as musical director, Yek Barlongay additional choreography for tap, Ed Lacson as set designer, Eric Pineda as costume designer, Martin Esteva as lighting designer, GA Fallarme as video & projection designer, Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer and Dong Calingacion as technical director.

Heading the production team are executive producers Joe Caliro (Globe Live) and Santi Santamaria (9 Works Theatrical), Denise Seva (Globe Live Director for Events and Production), with 9 Works Theatrical’s Anna Santamaria as company manager, Jonjon Martin and Issa Tuason as PR managers, GM Hernandez as marketing manager, and Arma Bonilla as stage manager.

Newsies will be staged at the Globe Iconic Store Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater, Bonifacio Global City on July 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 & 28-30, 2017 at 8:00pm.

For tickets and more information, go to go.globe.com.ph/newsies, or contact Ticketworld at 891.9999.

Official Hashtags: #GlobeLive9WTNewsies #CreateHeadlines

Facebook: 9WorksTheatrical. Twitter & Instagram: @9WTonline.

Facebook & YouTube: GlobePH. Twitter & Instagram: @enjoyGlobe.

Disney’s Newsies is a production of Globe Live & 9 Works Theatrical, co-presented by FOX and StarWorld, with MAC Cosmetics as the official make-up partner. Special thanks to RX93.1, Bonifacio High Street and Mossimo.

Disney’s Newsies is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

KZ Tandingan Makes Headway for New Album

One of today's hottest and most versatile singers, Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan, is back in recording and is now launching her highly anticipated second album "Soul Supremacy" under Star Music.

This new song compilation follows the success of KZ's recent milestone - the first digital concert of the gifted artist which was also called "Soul Supremacy" held last April 23.

The "ASAP" Soul Sessionista's new album features 11 songs with three additional tracks as bonus for her fans who have been eagerly waiting for her latest offering.

Just like in her debut compilation, the OPM soul singer has ventured into songwriting for this new album. She wrote and composed the song "Halik na Lang" and also wrote the lyrics for the "Intro Lude" song.

Other songs in this much-awaited album of "The X Factor Philippines" season 1 winner are "Labo" by Jungee Marcelo, "Nag-iisa na Naman" by Kiko Salazar, "Dapithapon" by Rox Santos and "Imposible" by Gabriel Tagadtad.

Also part of this collection are the tracks "Afraid" by KidWold, "With You" by Shorya Sharma, "Siya'y Darating" by Edwin Marollano, "Sayang" by Arlen Mandangan and "Sa Aking Mga Kamay" by Aristotle Pollisco.

The album's additional tracks include "Sayo" which is the Tagalog version of "With You" written by Jonathan Manalo and the hit song "Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako" with words and music from Edwin Marollano, winner of "Himig Handog PPop Love Songs 2014."

Completing the bonus tracks is the song "Ikaw at Ako Pa Rin," the "We Love OPM" mentor's duet with her boyfriend, singer-songwriter TJ Monterde, courtesy of Polyeast Records.

Malou Santos and Roxy Liquigan are the executive producers of the "soul supremacy" album and Jonathan Manalo serves as the over-all album producer.

CINELOKAL SCREENING SCHEDULE: May 19 to June 01, 2017

MAY 19, 2017 to MAY 25, 2017

0100 PM SWAP

Directed by Remton Siega Zuasola 

0300 PM TPO

Directed by Joselito Altarejos

0600 PM MRS

Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr.

0830 PM TPO 

Directed by Joselito Altarejos

MAY 26 , 2017 to JUNE 01, 2017

ALL DAY SCREENING - SLEEPLESS
Directed by Prime Cruz

Come home to REP for a can’t-miss golden celebration

The country’s pioneering theater company marks a momentous occasion this 2017 with a grand celebration fit for their golden year. Repertory Philippines (REP) is turning the big 5-0 and they’re inviting everyone to come and commemorate the event on one special night.

Since the company’s start in 1967, it has been bringing the best of Broadway and the West End for local talents to produce and for Filipinos to enjoy—all as part of their mission topromoteand develop the performing arts for Philippine cultural growth. In half a century, REP has run 80 seasons staging over 443 productions, including some of the most well-known plays: Les Miserables, Evita, Sweeney Todd, and Romeo and Juliet.

Under REP’s Children’s Theatre, which the company created to expose younger audiences to live performances and to inspire them with different stories, REP has shown plays such as Hansel and Gretel, Camp Rock, Snow White, and The Sound of Music.

The theater company prides itself not only in its impressive lineup of productions, but with their homegrown talents that have been part of REP through the years. Television and movie actors such as Heart Evangelista, Jodi Sta. Maria, and Sam Concepcion are just a few among the many who have called REP their home. A number of theater stars who’ve made their way to the West End and Broadway, most notably Lea Salonga and Monique Wilson, are also part of the REP family.

Now, all the people whose lives that REP has touched are coming together for one night to celebrate the company’s successes. On June 11, 2017, at the Theater at Solaire, REP is holding “50 Years of Telling Stories,” a musical gala to celebrate 50 years of the country’s premier theater company. Acclaimed director Bart Guingona will be at the helm of the show, with the musical direction of EjayYatco, and Luna Inocian as the writer.

Big stars such as Monique Wilson, Leo Martinez, Joy Virata, Miguel Faustmann, Michael Williams, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, and Audie Gemora are coming home to REP and will take the stage to perform. With these amazing talents all coming together for one night, the show is set to be a can’t-miss event for anyone and everyone with a love for music or theater.

Tickets are now available for purchase via Ticketworld. For inquiries and purchases,you may callREP at 843 3570 or Ticketworld at 891 9999.

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter.

Tanghalang Pilipino Presents 31st Theater Season Launch and Rustique Readings

Article and Photos by Gus Cabredo

Tanghalang Pilipino’s 31st Theater Season is a writer’s showcase of freedom fighters

The 31st season of Tanghalang Pilipino embraces all that our theater company stands for: diverse, entertaining, and powerful storytelling that is rooted in centuries-old Filipino culture and history while being responsive to our evolving contemporary society. Each play takes you on a Filipino journey with a unique point of view, style and tone. It includes something for everyone, with piquant comedies, suspenseful dramas, and inspiring Filipino stories. 

Performances begin in June 2017 with the opening of Virgin Labfest 13: Wagas, an annual festival of unpublished, unstaged, untried and untested works for the theater held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). This festival is a partnership project of the The Writer's Bloc Inc., Tanghalang Pilipino Inc., and the CCP.

Our Identity: Spirit of the Time

As the season has come together, some themes have emerged and as always, they speak right to the current zeitgeist. With fresh new voices and extraordinary new plays, you will find a deeper feeling and understanding of “love for the country (and of countrymen), freedom, culture, truth, justice, goodness, nature, the beloved, and kindness” in the most unlikely places. Truly, Tanghalang Pilipino’s 31st season is a writer’s showcase altogether.

Freedom Writers: Freedom Fighters

Apung Aurelio

Playwright: Nicanor Tiongson

Direction: Chris Millado

Playdates: September 1-17, 2017

Venue: Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater)

Jumping off the successful threepeat run of Mabining Mandirigma, Nicanor Tiongson’s Apung Aurelio is an original musical based on the life of Aurelio Tolentino, a Filipino playwright and dramatist who writes about a Katipunero who, together with Bonifacio and Sakay founded Teatro Porvenir, a theater company where they show their patriotic sentiments. Because one of his plays called for ‘tearing of the American flag,’ Tolentino was charged with sedition and imprisoned by the Americans. Trivia: The CCP Little Theater was named after him, and this year, we celebrate his 150th birthday.

Histerya

Playwright: Arthur Miller (The Crucible)

Translation: Jerry Respeto

Direction: Dennis Marasigan

Play dates: September 29 to October 22

Venue: Tanghalang Huseng Batute

Histerya (The Crucible by Arthur Miller) is a play that dramatizes how “the establishment” is used as a tool of the powerful few, exerting its magnitude on people to prevent any sense of community and collectivity from being formed. Miller’s warning is for individuals not to be afraid and to take a stand when their government is operated in a manner contrary to public interest. Trivia: The Crucible was performed in Broadway and won the 1953 Tony Award for best play. It is now considered as literary classic all over the world. Originally written for a 22-cast ensemble, the play will be performed by the 12 strong members of the Actors’ Company.

Nang Tamaan ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad 

Children’s story: Nick Joaquin

Stage Adaptation: Rody Vera

Direction: Ed Lacson, Jr.

Playdates: December 1 to 19, 2017

Venue: Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino

Based on National Artist Nick Joaquin’s story of “(the correct explanation) why Mariang Makiling forever nurses a broken heart, and also why Juan Tamad is a pop idol, a model for the young,” this stage adaptation by Rody Vera, Nang Tamaan ng Pag-ibig si Juan Tamad is a mashup love triangle among Maria Makiling, Juan Tamad and Monte Banahaw. Trivia: Nick Joaquin worked for the release of political prisoner writer Pete Lacaba, openly fought for artistic freedom, and was blacklisted by the Marcos administration for speaking about intellectual freedom.

Walang Aray

Stage Adaptation: Rody Vera

Direction: Carlos Siguion-Reyna

Playdates: February – March 2018

Venue: Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino

Rody Vera’s Walang Aray is a contemporized comic version of Severino Reyes’ Walang Sugat, which was written when the zarzuela became a potent means of expressing Filipino nationalism during the Spanish Occupation of the Philippines. It was, eventually, one of the plays considered subversive by the American colonial authorities, because of which Reyes was imprisoned. Trivia:Severino Reyes was imprisoned by the Spaniards because he was suspected of being a Katipunero.

Rustique Readings

Rustique Readings is a special project organized by TP chairman Tony Boy Cojuangco to create an avenue to promote Tanghalang Pilipino productions. To be held at Rustique Kitchen, our Actors Company and guest artists will do staged readings of past and current TP productions, host spoken word and mini productions to pave the way into bringing theater and the arts closer to the public. This is an opportunity for audience members to be an integral part of the process of making a new or revisited play the best it can be. After the reading, the audience will be welcome to provide feedback and ask questions, which will help the writer and director make changes and improvements. In the future, Rustique Readings may also host special jamming, poetry, orchestra, and dance sessions for a holistic artistic experience. More details to follow when announce our activities in the coming months.

Show buying opportunities as well as subscriptions, season passes and group discounts are available through Tanghalang Pilipino’s hotline 832 1125 loc. 1620 or 1621. You may also contact Ms. Lorelei Celestino at 0915 607 2275 or 0908 894 1384.

Tickets are available through TicketWorld athttps://www.ticketworld.com.ph or 891 9999; and the CCP Box Office at 832 3704.